Lake Yeak Laom
Lake Volcanic crater lake in Ratanakiri, sacred forest reserve
In Ratanakiri province, Lake Yeak Laom occupies a volcanic crater with clear water, walking paths and Tampuan village access; tourists swim, hire boats and encounter highland indigenous culture.
Lake Yeak Laom is a volcanic crater lake in Ratanakiri province, northeastern Cambodia, near the provincial center of Banlung. It is a well-known natural attraction in the region, prized for clear water, a circular shoreline and surrounding rainforest.
The site is managed for conservation and tourism, with trails, a boardwalk and small visitor facilities; traditional indigenous communities live near the lake and host cultural demonstrations. Swimming, canoeing and short nature walks are common visitor activities.
Formed in a volcanic crater, the lake is surrounded by steep forested slopes and is considered an important local ecological and cultural site. It lies a short drive from Banlung in the highland landscape of Ratanakiri.
- Crater lake protection: The lake is a volcanic crater lake surrounded by dense forest and is a protected site with marked paths for short walks and swimming spots.
- Local communities: Local indigenous communities maintain cultural ties to the lake and run small-scale visitor amenities nearby.
What to See #
- Visitor area and local village: A lakeside visitor area with boardwalks and a small cultural center adjacent to a Jarai village that maintains traditional customs and crafts.
How to Get to Lake Yeak Laom #
Drive: Yeak Laom is a short drive east of Banlung, the provincial town. Local taxis and tuk-tuks offer transfers; some visitors visit on organized day trips from Ratanakiri region lodgings.
Tips for Visiting Lake Yeak Laom #
- Hire a local guide from Yeak Laom village who can explain the lake's volcanic origin and local customs.
- Swim in the clear water but avoid introducing soaps or detergents-this is a protected freshwater ecosystem.
- Combine the lake visit with a walk through the nearby indigenous Bunong village for cultural context.
Best Time to Visit Lake Yeak Laom #
Dry season brings the best conditions for walking, swimming and village visits; wet season increases jungle greenery but may hamper road access.
Weather & Climate near Lake Yeak Laom #
Lake Yeak Laom's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2500 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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February
February is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 28°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 29°C. Heavy rain (270 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (376 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (569 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (521 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (444 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (191 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.